Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Lakewood, WA recorded 30 traffic deaths in 24 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 9.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 63/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 63% of ranked US cities (#10 of 55 in Washington, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Lakewood, Washington?
Lakewood has a Road Danger Score of 63/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 24 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 30 people — 9.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Lakewood ranks #10 out of 55 ranked cities in Washington and #795 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 63% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Lakewood's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 58% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Lakewood rose 171% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Lakewood’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 24 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Lakewood | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 29.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 8 | 33.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 5 | 20.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 14 | 58.3% | 49.8% |
Lakewood Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Lakewood, Washington from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Lakewood, Washington?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Lakewood recorded 24 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 30 traffic deaths — an average of 6.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Lakewood?
Lakewood has a Road Danger Score of 63/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 63% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Lakewood?
Of Lakewood's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 29% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 21% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 58% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Lakewood each year?
An average of 6.0 people per year died in car accidents in Lakewood across 2020–2024 (30 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Lakewood more dangerous than in other Washington cities?
Lakewood ranks #10 of 55 ranked Washington cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #795 of 2,153 nationally.